For Official Use Only – Not for Public Release
Dear Public Health Service Officers,
I am writing today to provide you with another important update on the COVID-19 vaccinations, and COVID-19 vaccine training deployment preparedness. We expect the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps to be an integral federal resource in supporting states and territories with vaccination efforts. All officers should be ready and prepared for deployment as our nation continues to address the many challenges of this public health crisis.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
The Commissioned Corps Headquarters’ (CCHQ), Medical Affairs Branch (MAB), would like to thank the officers who have shared their challenges getting vaccinated. In several cases, MAB is working closely with the Defense Health Agency and Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) on resolving these problems. We anticipate those officers who receive their healthcare in the private sector (TRICARE Prime Remote) may face even more challenges trying to get vaccinated until local jurisdictions ramp up their vaccination programs and the vaccine becomes available in retail pharmacies.
All Public Health Service officers are considered to be in Phase 1b priority in the DoD Population Schema. To help make this process easier, a COVID-19 vaccination informational memo is available in the Officer Secure Area under the Commissioned Corps Modernization tab as proof that you can share with your MTF and your local health departments. Remember, if you are trying to obtain vaccination at an MTF, you must be in uniform with a valid identification card. CCHQ will continue to search for ways to expedite access to COVID-19 vaccinations for those of you who want it.
Please submit COVID-19 vaccination documentation for your first and second doses as soon as you receive each dose. The documentation must be uploaded in the medical category of eDOC-U using the document type, “Immunizations” and vaccine type “Other.” If you have any questions, please contact MAB at PHSMACCHQ@hhs.gov.
COVID-19 Pre-Deployment Vaccine Training
Public Health Service officers will be a critical component of the continuing COVID-19 response. We anticipate officers will serve in clinical and administrative roles. To assist with preparing officers, CCHQ in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is providing training access to support officer roles.
All Public Health Service officers preparing for COVID-19 deployment will need to complete the following required training:
- Commissioned Corps Learning Management System (CCLMS) training, COVID-19 Vaccines Knowledge Course in CCLMS ( Course Link)
- CDC Vaccine Series Topics: COVID-19 Vaccination Training Programs for Health Professionals (Link to CDC Series)
- Vaccine Storage and Handling
- Communicating with Patients about Vaccines
The following Public Health Service officers can serve in a clinical role (Physicians, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Veterinarians, Podiatrists, and Optometrists, as a vaccinator (or officer who will deliver IM injections). If you are in one of these categories, you are required to complete the additional required training (Link to CDC Series):
- CDC Vaccine Series Topics: COVID-19 Vaccination Training Programs for Health Professionals.
- Vaccine Storage and Handling
- Vaccine Administration (for Pfizer and Moderna)
- Communicating with Patients about Vaccines
- COVID-19 Vaccine Training and Clinical Materials
All training listed above is available at CDC TRAIN, with the exception of the Commissioned Corps COVID-19 Vaccine Knowledge course available through the CCLMS. Upon completion of the required training and the post-training plan evaluation, you will be able to download a certificate of completion. Completion data for all officers will be tracked and managed by CCHQ. Officers are not required to upload training certificates.
Additional resources are listed here: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/COVID-19-Clinical-Training-and-Resources-for-HCPs.pdf
All training must be completed before February 22, 2021.
The Secretary has issued a PREP Act declaration that covers COVID-19 vaccines. Thus, officers who have been properly vetted, trained, and approved by the Surgeon General to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, under the PREP Act declaration will be allowed to vaccinate on upcoming deployments.
Questions regarding the trainings should be submitted to PHSCOTA@hhs.gov.
Respectfully,
Susan M. Orsega
RADM, USPHS
Acting Surgeon General
Director, Commissioned Corps Headquarters
For Official Use Only – Not for Public Release